What is it that turns a good looking wicket into a living nightmare for one team but fails to do so for the side batting second. This was the question asked after The Willows won the toss and batted against the Secondary Schools side that had been on the Sri Lanka/Singapore tour (with some added older members).

Getting to 58/1 from 12 overs was a promising start, before the spinners weaved their magic for the Schools side who ran through a bemused opposition to have them all out for 116 in the 50th over.

Only opener Tom Latham, with 42, saved The Willows’ blushes as he compiled a respectable score.

Chasing this meagre total the Schools side was in early trouble at 48/4 before Max Winter and Hamish Teale saw them home comfortably in the 26th over to win the Graham Dowling Trophy.

This was a real pasting for the home team who had certainly fancied their chances, but did enjoy the after match celebrations.

Special mention to our umpires, Eddie Brownlee and Peter Koppes, and scorer Tony Campbell for another splendid day at The Willows.

As General Douglas McArthur said, “We will return”.